Asked whether he had ever been a member of the Theosophical Society, Gandhiji is
reported to have stated that he had never been a member, but he was and had ever
been in sympathy with its message of Universal Brotherhood and consequent toleration.
He added: 'I owe much to the Theosophical friends among whom I have many. Whatever critics
may say against Madame Blavatsky, or Col. Olcott or Dr. Besant, their
contribution to humanity will always rank high. What has been a bar to my
joining the society is its secret side — its occultism. It has never appealed to me.'
This Was Bapu, By R, K. Prabhu, 1954, p. 13